Why is Asking Questions in a Job Interview Important?

Job interviews are a great way for a potential employer to learn more about you and if you’d be a good candidate for the role they’re hiring for. But job interviews also give you a unique opportunity to gather more information about the role itself and the company. By asking questions during your interview, you can decide if the job fits what you’re looking for and better evaluate the company on if it’s truly somewhere you want to work.

Job interview infographic illustrating four reasons why asking questions during an interview is important.

Job interview infographic illustrating four reasons why asking questions during a job interview is important.

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What Are the Benefits of Asking Good Interview Questions?

Demonstrates Your Interest in the Job and Company

Asking thoughtful questions shows that you are genuinely interested in the role and the company. It indicates that you have done your research about the company and are eager to learn more. This can leave a positive impression on the interviewer and set you apart from other candidates.

You can also ask questions about the hiring process. Understanding the next steps after an interview helps you grasp the overall process and what to expect. Consider asking about what comes next in the interview process, how you compare with other candidates, any reservations the interviewer might have, additional information you could provide, and follow-up details.

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Helps You Assess Company Culture

Learning about a company’s culture can help you determine if it’s a place where you’d enjoy working. Asking questions about the company’s culture provides insight into team dynamics, the company’s mission and values, and the support you can expect throughout your career. Consider asking the interviewer about the company’s growth history, priorities, top performers, training programs, professional development support, and how you might fit into the company, and department, overall.

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Clarifies Job Expectations

It's important to gather additional details beyond the high-level overview provided in the job description. Consider asking about the day-to-day tasks, expectations within a certain period and growth opportunities to gain a better understanding of the role. If it hasn’t already come up in the interview, asking questions about reporting structure, the onboarding process, potential challenges once in the role and career paths may also provide you clarity around if the role is what you’re looking for.

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Shows Your Proactive Approach

Asking questions about the challenges the company or the department is facing or how you can contribute to its overall success demonstrates that you are proactive and solution oriented. It also shows that you are already thinking about how you can add value to the organization and department should you be selected for the role.

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When to Ask an Interviewer Questions

The best time to ask an interviewer questions is at the end of the interview. Preparing good questions to ask an interviewer ahead of time is a great way to show your enthusiasm for the position and can help you feel more confident and ready when the time for questions arises. Knowing that some of your possible questions may have been covered earlier in the interview, it’s best to have at least five questions prepared so you can pivot accordingly.

Ready to start asking good interview questions in your search for your next step in your career? Explore open positions or connect with a recruiter today to find job opportunities near you.